Our first Masterclass
OUR FIRST MASTERCLASS
Création Botswana Hosts Inspiring Finalist Masterclass with Industry Leaders
Following the intense final judging process, Création Botswana officially opened its programme activities with a powerful and inspiring Finalist Masterclass, bringing together the newly selected designers and the three esteemed judges who led the evaluation process: Bonolo Moleme, Lucilla Booyzen, and Emilie Gambade.
Held the day after judging, this masterclass marked the programme’s first official learning session, setting the tone for the year ahead with high-level insights, honest conversations, and practical guidance tailored to the realities of building a successful fashion brand.
A Masterclass Dedicated to Leading Phase 1
The atmosphere was warm and collaborative as the three judges shared the stories behind their careers, the lessons they have learned across decades in the fashion and media industries, and their personal philosophies on what it takes to build a resilient, competitive brand.
Bonolo Moleme
Retail & Merchandising Strategy
With over 20 years in fashion retail and currently leading the menswear division at Cotton On, Bonolo offered a grounded, business-oriented perspective. He discussed:
- Understanding product-market fit
- Pricing, margin, and commercial viability
- How to build strong vendor relationships
- Why designers must learn to think like both creatives and retailers
His session gave designers a clear framework for aligning creativity with market demands.
Emilie Gambade
Storytelling, Communication & Brand Narrative
Drawing from her work as a journalist, editor, and multimedia leader, Emilie emphasised:
- Crafting a strong, authentic brand story
- Communicating with clarity in media and digital spaces
- Using storytelling as a strategic tool for visibility and growth
- Understanding how fashion brands are perceived by consumers and press
Her session encouraged designers to articulate not just what they create, but why they create it.
Lucilla Booyzen
Fashion Business Development & Industry Positioning
As the founder of South African Fashion Week, Lucilla shared transformative insights on:
- How to prepare a brand for the global stage
- The importance of consistency and professionalism
- Building systems and long-term strategies
- Developing a brand identity that can evolve with the business
Her guidance was rooted in decades of supporting emerging designers across Southern Africa.
“How to Succeed as a Fashion Designer 101”
Each judge concluded their presentation with practical, foundational advice tailored to emerging and established designers who aspire to thrive in Botswana, Africa, and beyond. Together their perspectives formed a holistic guide touching on:
- Creativity and innovation
- Business structure and financial readiness
- Market positioning
- Brand narrative
- Professional discipline
- Customer understanding
- Long-term sustainability
It was a rare opportunity for designers to learn from three leaders representing retail, industry development, and media, offering a complete picture of what success in the fashion world truly requires.
Open Conversation with the Designers
After the presentations, the floor opened for a dynamic Q&A session. Designers were encouraged to:
- Ask direct questions
- Share current challenges
- Discuss their aspirations
- Reflect on the judging experience
- Connect their personal journeys with the insights presented
This interactive format created a supportive and honest space where designers could receive real-time guidance tailored to their individual needs.
A Powerful Start to the Programme
The Finalist Masterclass was more than an educational session, it was a moment of connection, motivation, and clarity. Designers left feeling inspired, grounded, and equipped with new tools to guide their participation in the Création Botswana programme.
As the first masterclass of the year, it set a strong foundation for the learning, mentorship, and development opportunities still to come. Création Botswana proudly continues its mission to empower Botswana’s fashion talent, strengthen the industry ecosystem, and open doors to global opportunities.
